Bob Barr Fails to Get Place on Connecticut Ballot

Bob Barr, the Libertarian Party candidate for the presidency, didn't make the November election ballot in Connecticut, the secretary of state announced today. Barr failed to reach the 7,500 signature threshhold to earn his spot on the state's Nov. 4 ballot, though independent candidate Ralph Nader -- the Winsted native -- made the cut.

"This November when Connecticut residents head to the polls, every federal race on the ballot will have at least one minor party candidate," Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz said in a statement this morning. "These successful petition drives show the healthy state of our democracy."

All five state congressional districts will include a Green Party candidate on their ballots along with the Republicans and Democrats -- a first-time achievement for that party, though it wasn't able to get Green presidential candidate Cynthia McKinney a slot. The 4th and 5th districts will have even more choices: Libertarian Michael Carrano in the 4th and independent Thomas Winn in the 5th.

On the presidential line, Nader turned in "more than enough" signatures, according to the state office, so his name will be the only one appearing alongside Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama.

So, this is apparently one of six states and the District of Columbia in which the Libertarian, Barr, isn't confirmed on the ballot.

The fact that Bob Barr is not on the Connecticut State Ballot on November 4th is an insult to us as Americans and our right to vote. Why can't someone who's opinions are not necessarily mainstream and "Republican" or "Democratic" get a chance to run on the same ballot. Isn't it bad enough that Barr is not allowed to participate in the debates with the likes of Obama and McCain?

Everyone claims that this election is all about "Change," and that our country needs "Change." Glad to see that only giving two real options (Republican and Democrat) may actually accomplish that change we need. (sarcasm)

I support Bob Barr for President in 2008. If people actually removed their heads from the "sand" and researched him maybe they too would be enlightened and see that someone like him is EXACTLY what this country needs right now (and every year)!

Thanks, Susan Bysiewicz, for leaving Barr off the Ballot. Good to know you are working for the people!

Libertarian, Green and Constitution are all national parties. I do not understand the value of stifling debate, creating barriers to democratic government and denying Americans the opportunity to cast votes for those they choose to support. We have allowed two parties to monopolize access to debates and to seize control of our democratic process. Neither deserve the support, or vote, of any American.

The 1992 Presidential Debates with Ross Perot were not dull. His warnings have now come true. Replace John McCain with Ron Paul. Add Ralph Nader and Cynthia McKinney. Barack Obama must earn his victory, not win by default.

Absolutely rediculous that we are being denied the right to vote for who we want. Everyone running should be on every ballot... period!!! One sure way to guarantee we never get any change in government... eliminate all the competition. Wake up Bysiewicz, there's nothing healthy about the state of our democracy when a valid candidate is excluded from our state's ballot!